Cosmetics applicator

ABSTRACT

The present apparatus provides a makeup sponge with a coating that resists absorption of makeup and other materials by the sponge. The makeup sponge has the same compressibility and softness of a prior art sponge, while providing the stain resistance and cleanability of a silicon sponge. Because the makeup sponge can be easily cleaned, it can be used with a plurality of makeup products. Because it does not absorb makeup or skin materials, the present apparatus can be used for long periods of time without the need for replacement. The present apparatus has a shape that allows multiple makeup procedures to be undertaken with different portions and surfaces of the apparatus. The coating is non-allergenic and flexes with the sponge so that it does not crack or flake during use. The coating is non-absorbent so that makeup and skin material does not become absorbed or embedded in the surface.

BACKGROUND OF THE SYSTEM

There are a number of cosmetic products on the market, including foundation, makeup, blush, eyeliner, mascara, and the like. Some products include an applicator for use with the product. This applicator may be integrated into the product packaging, or it may be an accessory intended to be used with the product. Nevertheless, many users may choose to use a different applicator to apply makeup. For example, for some foundation makeups, a user might use a brush or a sponge. A brush is sometimes used for more precision, while a sponge is used for seamless washes or blend looks. Makeup sponges have various shapes and sizes depending on the application. Large rounded sponges are typically used for the application of tinted moisturizer, BB or CC cream, foundation, and/or cream blush. Smaller sponge designs may be used for the under eye area and to conceal blemishes.

A disadvantage of using a makeup sponge is that, over time, the sponge may absorb the makeup that is being applied. Even if the user washes the sponge immediately after each use, it is difficult to completely remove the makeup that has worked its way into the sponge. Eventually, the surface of the sponge becomes so impregnated with the old makeup, that it no longer functions as desired. When that happens, the user will typically throw the sponge away and buy another one.

In addition to makeup, a sponge may collect material from the skin itself, including oil, dead skin cells, bacteria, and other skin debris. The use of a dirty sponge can transfer these materials back to the skin, leading to acne, infections, and other skin issues.

Because of the absorption of makeup and skin materials by the sponge, a user will typically need a plurality of sponges, one for each type of makeup. This means that the user will need to buy and replace many sponges, adding to the expense of using makeup sponges. In addition, most manufacturers recommend a special cleaning solution specific to makeup sponges, further adding to the expense of maintenance.

One prior art attempt to solve these problems is the silicon makeup sponge, such as the Silisponge™. These are pads or other shapes comprised of silicon. They do not absorb the makeup or skin materials, and are relatively easy to clean and disinfect. However, the silicon sponges are not true sponges, so they do not have the same properties. Users have complained that silicon sponges are not very good for blending or applying makeup, often taking the makeup off the face instead of blending it in. It is also hard to even apply the makeup because the silicon sponge lacks even distribution of the makeup and their smoothness lacks the buffing ability of typical makeup sponges.

SUMMARY

The present apparatus provides a makeup sponge with a coating that resists absorption of makeup and other materials by the sponge. The makeup sponge has the same compressibility and softness of a prior art sponge, while providing the stain resistance and cleanability of a silicon sponge. Because the makeup sponge can be easily cleaned, it can be used with a plurality of makeup products. Because it does not absorb makeup or skin materials, the present apparatus can be used for long periods of time without the need for replacement. The present apparatus has a shape that allows multiple makeup procedures to be undertaken with different portions and surfaces of the apparatus. The coating is non-allergenic and flexes with the sponge so that it does not crack or flake during use. The coating is non-absorbent so that makeup and skin material does not become absorbed or embedded in the surface.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front view of the apparatus in an embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a side view of the apparatus of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is perspective end view of the apparatus of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a rear view of the apparatus of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a cutaway view of the apparatus in an embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE SYSTEM

The present apparatus comprises a sponge having a coating thereon that allows compressibility and flexion of the sponge while preventing absorption of materials into the surface of the sponge. The sponge is used in the application of cosmetics, such as makeup, including, but not limited to, foundation, creams, blush, highlights, and the like. The apparatus may be used with wet or dry cosmetics.

A front view of the apparatus in an embodiment is illustrated in FIG. 1. The apparatus 100 comprises a sponge having a coating thereon. In one embodiment the apparatus 100 is comprised of an upper section 101, lower section 102, point 104 and flat surface 105. The upper section 101 is somewhat egg shaped in general, with curved sides that extend outward from waist region 103 and then gradually tapering to a point 104.

Below waist 103, bottom section 102 gradually curves out to a flat bottom. Section 102 can be easily gripped by the user when the sponge 100 is in use. The point 104 can be used for detailed cosmetic application, the flat surface 105 can be used for applying makeup to larger areas. The curved sides of section 101 can be used for blending or other cosmetic application procedures.

FIG. 2 is a side view of the apparatus of FIG. 1. In the side view the flat surface 105 can be seen in profile extending from approximately a third of the way up the upper section 101 to the point 104. The length of the flat surface 105 can be of different lengths as desired. In addition, the apparatus 100 can have a plurality of flat sections at different locations of the apparatus as desired.

FIG. 3 is a perspective bottom view of the apparatus of FIG. 1. The bottom surface 301 of bottom section is flat in an embodiment, so the sponge 100 can be set upright when not in use. If desired, the bottom surface 301 of the sponge may also be used as an application surface. As can be seen in FIG. 3, the coating covers the entire surface of the apparatus.

FIG. 4 is a rear view of the apparatus of FIG. 1. The sponge 100 has an upper section 101 that is curved on its entire back surface. This rounded and curved surface is often used in certain makeup applications such as eye shadow bases, blending concealer on the eyelid, and the like.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the apparatus of FIG. 1. The interior 501 of the sponge 100 is comprised of a sponge material such as rubber acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber (NBR), styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR), natural rubber, synthetic resin foam, polyethylene, vinyl acetate-ethylene copolymer, latex, hydrophilic polyurethane, and the like. The paint coating 502 is shown on the outer surface of the sponge 501. The paint is somewhat absorbed into the sponge and provides a non-absorbent protective layer to prevent cosmetics from being absorbed by the sponge.

The sponge material is coated with a thin layer of paint. The paint is comprised of in-mold coating paint and in one embodiment is applied by spraying the sponge. The paint may have a thickness of approximately 1.0 to 5.0 mils. The paint in one embodiment is comprised of in-mold coating paint. In-mold coating paint allows the sponge and paint to be formed in a single step in one embodiment. Typically, in-mold coating paint is not used on sponge materials, but is used on plastics, sheet molding compound (SMC) and composite components. However, the present apparatus combines in-mold paint coating and a sponge core to provide a washable, non-absorbent, makeup sponge.

In one embodiment, a release agent is sprayed into the mold of the apparatus. This allows the part to be easily removed after processing. Next the in-mold paint is sprayed into the mold. In one embodiment, patterns, logos, and two-toned effects can be achieved by spraying multiple colors into the mold. Next the sponge material (e.g. polyurethane foam) is sprayed into the mold. The mold is closed and the material is appropriately cured and the paint is dried. The completed part is then de-molded and ready to use. In one embodiment, the mold is maintained at a desired temperature, for example in the 40-85 degree centigrade range during processing. The paint itself may be comprised of Aliphatic Polyurethane based paint, Aliphatic Urethane based paint, TPU polyurethane based paint, and the like.

In one embodiment, the paint is applied after molding the sponge part. The paint is applied and drying time is approximately 3-5 minutes after painting.

The sponge 100 can be used to apply nearly any cosmetic. The paint does not affect the softness of the sponge, nor does it affect the flexibility. Therefore, the sponge 100 has the same usability as unpainted prior art sponges. However, the paint does not absorb the cosmetics, allowing the sponge to be washed without leaving cosmetics behind. Thus, the sponge can be used more times, with a variety of cosmetics, and does not need to be replaced as often as prior art sponges.

Thus, an improved makeup sponge has been described. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A makeup applicator comprising: a sponge core having an outer surface; a layer of non-absorbent coating on the outer surface of the sponge core.
 2. The makeup applicator of claim 1 wherein the sponge core is comprised of polyurethane foam.
 3. The makeup applicator of claim 2 wherein the non-absorbent coating is paint.
 4. The makeup applicator of claim 3 wherein the paint is an in-mold coating paint.
 5. The makeup applicator of claim 4 wherein the paint is approximately 1.0 to 5.0 mils in thickness. 